At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to ensure vulnerable children receive safe and effective support.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Connect2Luton, focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Agile working pattern with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Supportive environment promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Grade: M6 (Post: PREF(phone number removed))
Reports To: Head of Service
Department: Children's Social Care
Working Pattern: Agile (Includes out-of-hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call rota)
Purpose of Post
Deputise for and assist the Head of Service in the strategic direction, performance management, and operational delivery of statutory social work interventions. Ensure vulnerable children receive a safe, consistent, and proportionate response in line with legislative regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Service Delivery & Risk (50%): Lead Family Help, Statutory, and Specialist teams. Formulate threshold mechanisms and take accountability for high-level risk decisions, legal gateways, and care plans (signing authority up to £1,000).
- Practice Leadership & QA (25%): Lead Quality Assurance (QA) audits and embed reflective learning loops to meet professional standards. Chair high-risk multi-agency meetings.
- Financial Management (5%): Independently manage delegated service budgets to ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
- Service Development & Projects (10%): Lead cross-departmental projects, identify service gaps, design policies, and manage organizational change.
- Partnerships & Commissioning (7%): Oversee specific commissioning arrangements, manage partner relationships, and represent the Local Authority at regional meetings.
Management & Resources
Staff Management: Line manage, recruit, and support approximately 4 Team Managers. Provide safeguarding oversight and staff well-being mentorship.
Core Culture: Embed the voice of the child into operational practice, promote restorative and anti-discriminatory practices, and handle complex, distressing information resiliently.
Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Deputy Head of Service- Children with Disabilities in Luton employer: Connect2Luton
As a Deputy Head of Service for Children with Disabilities at Connect2Luton, you will join a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Our agile working environment promotes flexibility and work-life balance, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With a strong focus on collaboration and community engagement, we foster a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, making Connect2Luton an exceptional place to build your career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Service- Children with Disabilities in Luton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Connect2Luton.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Connect2Luton!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Connect2Luton, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Connect2Luton or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Service- Children with Disabilities in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Connect2Luton:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Luton! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Luton
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
